Advances and Opportunities in H₂S Measurement in Chemical Biology

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important biological mediator across all kingdoms of life and plays intertwined roles in various disciplines, ranging from geochemical cycles to industrial processes. A common need across these broad disciplines is the ability to detect and measure H₂S in complex sample environments. This Perspective focuses on key advances and opportunities for H₂S detection and quantification that are relevant to chemical biology. Specifically, we focus on methods for H₂S detection and quantification most commonly used in biological samples, including activity-based H₂S probes, the methylene blue assay, the monobromobimane assay, and H₂S-sensitive electrode measurements. Our goal is to help simplify what at first may seem to be an overwhelming array of detection and measurement choices, to articulate the strengths and limitations of individual techniques, and to highlight key unmet needs and opportunities in the field.